Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin’s Unexpected Hospitalization

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, a prominent figure in the United States government, was unexpectedly transported to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center on February 11, 2024, due to symptoms of an emergent bladder issue. The Pentagon confirmed the news in a statement, revealing that Austin was being seen for these symptoms.

The statement, released by Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder, Pentagon Press Secretary, detailed that Austin was taken to the medical center by his security detail at approximately 2:20 pm. The Deputy Secretary of Defense, Joint Chiefs of Staff, White House, and Congress were all notified of the situation.

Despite his hospitalization, Austin was set to retain his duties as Defense Secretary while receiving treatment. The Deputy Secretary of Defense was prepared to assume duties if necessary. A White House official confirmed that the Office of the Secretary of Defense had informed the White House and National Security Council about Austin’s hospitalization, directing further questions about his health to the Pentagon.

This hospitalization marked Austin’s second visit to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center this year. Earlier in 2024, he was hospitalized for two weeks due to complications related to treatment for prostate cancer. Upon his return to work in-person at the Pentagon at the end of January, Austin mentioned that he was still recovering.

Austin was scheduled to attend a meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group in Brussels, Belgium, this week, marking his first overseas trip since his initial hospitalization. This unexpected turn of events raised questions about his ability to fulfill his duties during this critical time.

The news of Austin’s hospitalization came as a surprise to many, given his recent return to work and upcoming travel plans. The Pentagon’s statement provided few details about the nature of Austin’s condition or the expected duration of his stay at the medical center.

Austin’s hospitalization also raised questions about the succession plan within the Department of Defense. The Deputy Secretary of Defense, who was prepared to assume duties if needed, would take on the role in Austin’s absence. However, the extent of Austin’s condition and the potential impact on his ability to perform his duties remained uncertain.

The Pentagon’s statement did not provide any further information about Austin’s condition or his expected recovery timeline. The situation was developing, and updates were expected to be provided as more information became available.

Eleanor Watson, a CBS News reporter covering the Pentagon, reported on the story, providing updates as they became available. The news was met with widespread interest and concern, as Austin’s role in the United States government is significant.

The unexpected hospitalization of Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin served as a reminder of the unpredictability of life and the importance of having a well-prepared succession plan in place. As the situation continued to unfold, the focus remained on Austin’s health and recovery.

In: Walter Reed Medical Center Lloyd Austin
Eleanor Watson
Eleanor Watson is a CBS News reporter covering the Pentagon.

First published on February 11, 2024 / 4:47 PM EST

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